New 5G Mast Planned Near Victoria Park, Glasgow West End 2026

Key Points

• A planning application has been submitted to Glasgow City Council for a new 30-metre phone mast on vacant land at the edge of a depot next to Victoria Park in Glasgow’s West End.
• The applicant, Jet Infrastructure Ltd, proposes installing a tower to support six Virgin Media O2 antennas, 15 remote radio units, two 600mm diameter dishes, equipment housing, and associated ancillary development within a mesh fence.
• The mast aims to address a critical gap in network coverage in the Broomhill area of Glasgow.
• It will deliver new 5G services for Virgin Media and O2 customers as part of a targeted network improvement programme.
• The development seeks to enhance existing 4G services and introduce 5G Standalone (5GSA) capability to meet rising demand.

Glasgow’s (Glasgow Express) May 4, 2026 – A planning application has been lodged with Glasgow City Council (GCC) by Jet Infrastructure Ltd for a 30-metre phone mast on vacant land at the edge of a depot adjacent to Victoria Park. The proposed tower would support six antennas for Virgin Media O2, along with 15 remote radio units, two 600mm diameter dishes, equipment housing, and ancillary works enclosed by a mesh fence.

Why Is a New 5G Mast Proposed Near Victoria Park?

The installation is described in the application documents as essential to fill a “critical gap in network coverage” specifically in the Broomhill area of the city.

According to the submission, this development forms part of a broader initiative by Virgin Media O2 to improve mobile connectivity.

As reported by Glasgow Times, the mast will enable new 5G services for Virgin Media and O2 customers, enhancing existing 4G performance while introducing 5GSA capabilities.

This upgrade responds to increasing demand for faster and more reliable mobile data services in the locality.

No direct statements from Jet Infrastructure Ltd or Virgin Media O2 representatives appear in the initial coverage, but the planning documents emphasise the necessity of the infrastructure to support network reliability.

What Does the Proposed Mast Include?

The structure outlined in the application measures 30 metres in height and includes technical specifications tailored for advanced mobile operations. Key components comprise six antennas operated by Virgin Media O2, 15 remote radio units for signal processing, and two dishes with a 600mm diameter each.

Additional features involve equipment cabinets housed within a secure compound surrounded by a mesh fence. The site, located at the edge of a depot bordering Victoria Park, is currently vacant land.

Glasgow City Council has received the application, which is under review, though no decision timeline or public consultation details were specified in the report.

How Does This Fit Virgin Media O2’s Network Plans?

Virgin Media O2 has been actively expanding its 5G Standalone network across the UK, with this mast proposal aligning with those efforts. In September 2025, the company announced its 5GSA network reaching 500 towns and cities, covering more than 70% of the UK population, available at no extra cost to compatible customers.

Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, stated in a related press release:

“We are investing £2m every single day to improve our mobile network and provide a more reliable experience for our customers.”

She added:

“By expanding our 5G Standalone network to 500 towns and cities and 70% of the population, we are continuing to deliver on that and are excited about the opportunities the new network will bring.”

Earlier announcements, such as the February 2024 rollout in 14 cities, highlighted benefits like higher bandwidth, lower latency, and wider coverage. By March 2025, Virgin Media O2 committed £700 million annually—around £2 million per day—to its Mobile Transformation Plan, targeting not-spots in rural areas, urban small cells, and key transport routes.

What Is 5GSA and Why Does It Matter Here?

5G Standalone (5GSA) represents a full upgrade from non-standalone 5G, incorporating an advanced 5G core network alongside radio access hardware.

This enables features like network slicing for dedicated services in augmented reality, gaming, robotics, autonomous transport, remote healthcare, and automated manufacturing.

For Broomhill residents, the mast would introduce these capabilities, improving 4G while adding 5GSA to handle rising data demands. Virgin Media O2’s rollout aligns with the UK Government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, aiming for 5GSA coverage in all populated areas by 2030.

In February 2025, the operator activated 5GSA for business customers across 500 locations, reaching over 75% of the UK population. This consumer-focused extension in Glasgow follows that pattern.

Who Is Involved in the Application?

Jet Infrastructure Ltd, the applicant, specialises in telecommunications infrastructure, submitting the plans to Glasgow City Council. The mast will exclusively support Virgin Media O2’s equipment, integrating into their national network.

No objections or community responses are noted in the initial filing, but local planning processes typically allow public input. Glasgow City Council handles the approval, assessing impacts on the surrounding Victoria Park area.

Background of the Development

The push for this mast stems from ongoing telecommunications upgrades in urban UK areas, where population density and data usage strain existing networks. Victoria Park, a key green space in Glasgow’s West End, borders the Broomhill neighbourhood, identified as having insufficient coverage.

Jet Infrastructure Ltd’s proposal mirrors similar applications nationwide, driven by operators like Virgin Media O2 responding to post-pandemic data surges. Historical context includes Virgin Media O2’s merger and subsequent investments, starting with initial 5G launches in over 400 towns by 2022, evolving to comprehensive 5GSA by 2025. Planning documents cite technical surveys confirming the coverage gap, with the site chosen for minimal visual disruption despite its proximity to the park.

Prediction: Impact on Local Residents and Businesses

This development could provide Broomhill residents with faster mobile speeds and more stable connections, benefiting streaming, remote work, and daily apps once approved and operational. Local businesses might gain from enhanced reliability for point-of-sale systems and customer services, potentially attracting tech-dependent enterprises.

However, construction and visual changes near Victoria Park could prompt community concerns over aesthetics and park access, influencing council deliberations. For Virgin Media and O2 customers, it addresses specific not-spots, aligning with national trends where 5GSA improves latency for gaming and video calls. Non-customers may see indirect benefits if future sharing occurs, though primary gains target the operator’s users amid rising demand.